Robotics company Union Robotics is now offering a factory training certification program called R.A.F.T (Remote Aircraft Factory Training) to accompany its UAS. According to Union Robotics, the new program is the “most comprehensive training and certification instruction offered by a manufacturer in the industry.”

Through the program, industrial drone pilots will be prepared on how to be compliant with upcoming governmental mandates for UAS operations. The program will also offer skill development with drones created for the energy industry.

“Providing energy-specific experience is key, when looking at training programs for equipping UAV pilots that will work in the energy industry. Union Robotics is committed to developing courses with leading UAV educators, that address the specialized needs of the energy market,” Union Robotics says.

“As a UAV manufacturer focused on energy clients and committed to responsive development, Union Robotics has a distinct advantage over producers that have a wider scope; the programs they build reflect the interests and needs of the energy community.”

The program will be led by Jan R. Timmerman, the pilot expert for Union Robotics. Timmerman has more than 20,000 flight hours as a helicopter pilot, with many of those hours coming within the energy sector. A Certified Flight Instructor, safety manager, and accident investigator, Timmerman is also the director of Safety and Training operations for Union Robotics, and developed R.A.F.T. alongside UAS pilots with energy experience in order to mirror aviation industry standards that are required of pilots on manned aircraft, while also making sure that UAS-specific expertise is applied.

Union Robotics notes that through training courses such as R.A.F.T, UAS operators gain aviation knowledge and expand on their piloting skills. They also receive technical training that gives them a high level understanding of the UAS designed for the energy industry and the ability to perform field repairs.

This component adds two-fold value, according to Union Robotics, as the company explains that “a pilot that understands the hardware will intuitively be able to operate it with more consideration and having an operator that can conduct technical troubleshooting means less time lost in the field.”

The first Remote Aircraft Factory Training course will be held from April 20 to 24. R.A.F.T. graduates will receive Technician Level 1 certification.